The Defenders Reading Order

Depending on when and where you entered the Marvel Comics universe, there are essentially two very distinct Defenders units to consider. The first is the epic “non-team,” beginning with Namor, Doctor Strange, Silver Surfer, and Hulk, an Avengers-like collection of heroes who refuse to formalize the thing and hold roll call like a bunch of cubscouts.

The second unit of Defenders is straight from the gritty binge watch of Marvel Netflix, featuring Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, and Iron Fist.

Prior to the Netflix reincarnation, the Defenders were Marvel’s oddball squad, not quite as immaterial as The Champions, but sporting an ever-rotating lineup and glorious willingness to just get weird.

Doctor Strange may well be the team’s most consistent member, but depending on the era, fans may nominate Valkyrie, Nighthawk, or the elf with a gun as their favorite recurring character (just kidding; no one would nominate Nighthawk).

Below you’ll find a complete reading order to all eras of Defenders comics at Marvel.

Support For Comic Book Herald:

Comic Book Herald is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a qualifying affiliate commission.

Comic Book Herald’s reading orders and guides are also made possible by reader support on Patreon, and generous reader donations.

Any size contribution will help keep CBH alive and full of new comics guides and content. Support CBH on Patreon for exclusive rewards, or Donate here! Thank you for reading!

Heroically Support Comic Book Herald!

If you like Comic Book Herald, and are able to donate, any small contribution will help keep CBH alive and full of new comics guides and content. Donate here! Or, support CBH on Patreon for exclusive rewards! Thank you for reading!

About Dave

Dave is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Comic Book Herald, and also the Boss of assigning himself fancy titles. He's a long-time comic book fan, and can be seen most evenings in Batman pajama pants. Contact Dave @comicbookherald on Twitter or via email at dave@comicbookherald.com.